China & France’s PMI Scores Flag in February

If the latest Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) scores from China and France are any indication, investors in these countries certainly can’t be excited about their current prospects. Estimates for China’s PMI for February fell to 48.3, the country’s lowest score in seven months. (A PMI score of 50 or above indicates economic growth.) France continued its downward move, diverging from the rest of the euro zone, which continues its march towards recovery. Estimates for the euro zone’s February PMI are a robust 52.7, yet France scored a 48.9… Clearly, France is an anchor dragging the rest of the zone down. Protect your portfolio from these lackluster economic conditions in China and France.